When Jose Mari Chan’s mellifluous voice graces the airwaves, you know that Christmas is just around the corner in the Philippines. His voice is like a warm embrace, as comforting as your favorite holiday sweater, and it sparkles like December lights. Chan, the man behind the iconic “Christmas in Our Hearts,” isn’t just a Christmas singer; he’s a cultural icon who has left an indelible mark on Filipino music and traditions.

“Christmas in Our Hearts,” the song that has become synonymous with the holiday season in the Philippines, achieved unparalleled success when it was released in 1990. It quickly dominated the airwaves, infiltrated the streets with carolers, and cemented its place as the ultimate Christmas anthem. Today, more than two decades later, it continues to hold its power, transporting listeners back to more innocent times when Santa Claus was real and the possibilities of magic were endless.

But has Chan grown weary of his own Christmas anthem after all these years? In his own words, he gracefully navigates this question: “Whenever I hear my songs on the radio, I try not to listen too long because I don’t want the old songs to influence me in writing my new ones.” Despite this, he finds solace in knowing that his Christmas songs continue to bring joy to people’s lives, year after year.

While he is undoubtedly celebrated as “The Christmas Singer,” his musical career is far more diverse and accomplished than one might realize. By the time “Christmas in Our Hearts” became a sensation, he had already established himself as a formidable artist. His career journey included a successful debut in the ’60s, a string of hits in the ’70s, and the remarkable distinction of achieving the first-ever OPM diamond record with his 1989 comeback album, “Constant Change.”

“Constant Change” marked his triumphant return to the music scene at the age of 44. This album produced a series of hits, including “Beautiful Girl,” “Can’t We Start Over Again,” “My Girl, My Woman, My Friend,” and the iconic duet with Regine Velasquez, “Please Be Careful with My Heart.” This album’s extraordinary success mirrored his next Christmas album, “Christmas in Our Hearts,” both of which achieved double diamond status and remain the top two best-selling OPM albums in history.

His ability to craft timeless and relatable love songs set him apart. His music explored the various facets of love, from the maturation of romance through time in “Afterglow” to love’s enduring strength in “A Love to Last a Lifetime.” His soothing voice and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with listeners, making him a beloved figure in Filipino music.

However, Chan’s musical journey was not without its challenges. He faced pressure from his family to prioritize their sugar business over his musical pursuits. Despite this, he pursued his passion and embarked on a career that saw him not only as a singer but also as a prolific composer of popular commercial jingles for brands like Dial Soap, Philippine Airlines, Knorr Real Chinese Soup, and Alaska.

In the ’70s, he represented the Philippines on the international stage, performing his song “Can We Just Stop and Talk a While” at the 1973 World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo, Japan. He was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines for the Arts in 1974.

Yet, it was “Christmas in Our Hearts” that etched his name in the annals of Philippine music history. The song’s creation was serendipitous, with Chan originally envisioning a duet with Lea Salonga. However, due to contractual restrictions, he turned to his own daughter, Liza, to be his duet partner. The father-daughter collaboration became a global sensation, with their rendition of the song featured in a recent cover by Grammy-winning American group Pentatonix, bringing the hit full circle.

Despite his success, Chan humbly shies away from being labeled “Mr. Christmas.” A devout Catholic, he prefers the focus to remain on the true essence of the holiday season—celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. He encourages consumer spending during the festive season, believing it can help spread the Christmas spirit.

But there’s more to the story. What makes him a real cultural icon in the Philippines is the fact he’s one of the most memed celebrity personalities in the country. Every year, as September rolls in, the internet in the Philippines is flooded with memes featuring him peeking into frames, unofficially marking the start of the country’s lengthy holiday season, known as the “Ber months.” These memes serve as a testament to Chan’s enduring presence in Filipino culture, transcending music to become a symbol of the holiday spirit.

As we approach the “Ber months” in the Philippines, Chan’s appearance signals the beginning of the country’s extended holiday season. He remains not just a singer but a cultural icon whose music has touched the hearts of millions. His legacy is not limited to Christmas; it encompasses a lifetime of musical excellence and a profound impact on Philippine music.

So, this year, as you listen to his familiar tunes during the mad Christmas rush, remember that he is more than just “The Christmas Singer.” He’s a testament to the enduring power of music and a reminder of the innocence and joy that the holiday season brings.

As he once said, “My Christmas wish is for the gap between the rich and poor in our country to narrow, so that prosperity will filter down to the grassroots. I’d like to see that in my lifetime.”

In this season of hope and wonder, Jose Mari Chan’s music continues to inspire us, reminding us of the magic of Christmas and the enduring spirit of giving.